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This is a model of a Firefly IC Hybrid of the Coldstream Guards. It has twin rocket launchers mounted on the side of the turret. These were basically the same as used on the Typhoon attack fighter. This configuration got the nickname 'Tulip' (not sure why).
The basic kit is the older Dragon Firefly IC 2 iin 1 which is the only kit available for the composite hull. That said, the kit needed a lot of work. The upper hull has casting texture on the welded part of the hull and that was removed. The welding all along the hull is recessed and that too was reworked to be raised. The casting on the transmission cover is overscaled even in 1 to 1 scale and I simply sanded it smooth and re-applied the texture using Tentax and a stiff brush to stipple it for the right texture.
The suspension was upgraded by using the more recent Dragon housings found in their newer kits. Formations track skids were added since the kit ones are way too thick.
Additional details include Formations tools and tow cable with brackets, miscellaneous bits left over from the Tasca Firefly Vc kit, left over RHPS track links and resin brush guards from Tiger Models. Note that this particular tank still retains the original gun cradle on the front hull even though a new cradles is also present on the back upper hull for the 17 pounder gun.
The turret is from Formations with an Eduard metal barrel. Also included in the Formations set is the gun travel lock, the British extinguishers and the barrel cleaning rods. The .30 cal MG is from Verlinden. The rocket launchers are a combination of Accurate Armor and Dragon parts and honestly required far more time than I ever imagined to make somewhat accurate. The AA parts are the mounting brackets that go to the hull. The rails and rockets are from the Dragon parts and the rocket mounting brackets to the rails are scratchbuilt.
The tracks are the Tamiya vinyl ones from there recent Sherman kits and the stowage is from parts in the pares box.
Decals are from Bison. The figure is the Dragon figure that comes in their most recent Firefly Vc kit with an Ultracast head.
The cobblestone road is a vinyl piece from Kancali and the side walk is left over parts from a Verlinden set. The wall are plaster items from Verlinden and the debris are left over items from various Verlinden sets with bricks from Custom Dioramics.
All said and done, way too much work for the results. To quote one of my favorite musicians, Chuck Berry, 'too much monkey business for me'. [View discussion] [Discuss my model]
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